MBTA seeks builder for Roxbury commuter station

Plans for an MBTA commuter rail station at the South Bay Shopping Center in Roxbury, Mass., moved a step closer to reality as the state issued a request for proposals for the $12-million project, the Boston Herald reports.

"This is good news for business, commuters and visitors - but just as important, in line with our environmental goals to provide more alternative means of transportation for everyone," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino in a statement.

Newmarket Station, a new stop on the Fairmount Line that connects Hyde Park, Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury to the downtown, will be located north of the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. The project is one of four new stations to be built on the Hub's commuter rail line.

"The Fairmount is one of the lines where we can build capacity and four new stations are something that advocates, the mayor and the governor support," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey.

Over the next two years, the T expects to spend more than $140 million for the new stations and the repair of six railroad bridges. The new stations represent the state's commitment to expand rail service as part of environmental mitigation for the Big Dig.

Last month, officials broke ground on the $17.7-million Four Corners/Geneva Commuter Rail station project in Dorchester. Work for the Talbot Avenue Station in Dorchester was advertised in May and the contract was awarded to Barletta Heavy Division for $15.9 million.

A fourth new station proposed for Blue Hill Avenue is on hold as the T negotiates with some abutters who oppose the station in their back yard. While the T has redesigned the station in response to neighborhood concerns, some residents question the need at that location.

"We are still working with residents, elected leaders and MassDOT to find a solution," Davey said.